21 Episode 21 "Gargoyle is crushed by running out of battery".txt

It's been waiting for you-- how can you be so torn up?

Yeah, that's right. I knew you would say that.

After finishing the "Ability Rebuild" in the basement of the Wizard's House, we experimented in the next room and then went back to the hidden room to take a nap until morning.

After that, we hurriedly met up with Letitia.

We left our luggage from the inn with her before we went to the wizard's house.

She said that she and Aine-san would let us take shelter in a safe place.

''But where are your weapons?''

I forgot about .......

I tossed the shortsword that was broken into two pieces.

I thought it would break against the hardware anyway, so I had to buy another one.

Leticia has also switched her weapon from a rapier to a sturdy-looking longsword. It's a countermeasure against the Steel Gargoyle. You're both thinking about it properly.

Are you sure you're okay?

Yeah. We've done our experiments.

An experiment?

I think I can handle it.

No pressure.

We do what we can for fun and get the most out of it, that's our policy.

Let's get to work. Cecil, Rita.

Okay.

And we were going to retrieve Aine's memory.

The watchtower is located a few hours' walk from Metekal.

It was originally built before the unification of the country, and now the guards only use it once a week to make their rounds.

We arrived there a little before evening.

As we approached behind a tree, we saw flames near the entrance of the tower.

There are guards - well, that's no surprise.

I can hear them talking.

"Did you hear that?　Apparently the adventurers in The Common People's Guild could have gone either way after all: ......

Huh?

Five men are gathered around a fire at the entrance to the tower.

One of them rolls his shoulders and talks to the other men.

''If we get the magic sword, we'll go wide in the 'Commoner's Guild' and if we fail, we'll join the 'Noble Guild'. Worse.

We can run, right?

'They surrendered so easily to Mr. Koger, didn't they?　He said the bad guy was the 'Commoner's Guild' guild master apprentice.

'Aine suggested you do it, right?　How can you say that?

''You've been pestering me a lot about how getting the Demon Sword would benefit the 'Commoner's Guild', right?

''And in order to get the Demon Sword, ......, they had to buy new equipment at the guild's expense.

It's getting really embarrassing, isn't it?

You were blatantly relieved after Vice Bishop Argis took her memory away: ......

...... ugh.

I looked at Letitia's face.

She's never heard of it before, either. She's surprised.

"Well, we're on the job, aren't we?

You're right. If I get fired from the Aristocrats' guild, I've nowhere to go.

'We brought the gargoyle in in the first place, but it was the Earl who activated it.

If we get the advance and run, that mad dog Tanaka-Coga will be after us. And I heard the Count has been paid off by the royal family for people like that.

Well, it can't be helped!

「「「「「 hahahahahahaha」」」」」

Okay, we're going in.

I signaled.

Rita leapt out of the trees without a sound.

A relentless spinning kick kick kicked the two men away.

Two more men's shoulders are pierced by Leticia's longsword.

The last one stands up. Just as he is about to reach for his weapon, Cecil's 'Arrow of Fire' hits him in the face. He also eats Rita's fist to his midsection, causing him to scream in agony.

I use the rope I brought with me to tie up the fallen men and blindfold them while I'm at it.

Yes, it's over.

Ignoring the men who were screaming "mugging", we looked up at the tower.

The tower is five stories high, and there is an anteroom for the guards on the top floor.

Maybe if they are hiding Aine's memories, that's where they are.

Then let's get to work.

Maybe what's in The People's Guild isn't what we had in mind.

But it doesn't matter.

We only work for you as long as you pay us well, don't lie to us about our working conditions, and treat us as equals.

"Rita and Letitia are the vanguard. Me and Cecil are the rear guard.

I said.

"Cecil and Rita, stick to the plan. "Cecil and Rita, you stick to the plan. I'll follow it the same way I defeated the Angel Guardian.

Yes, sir! Riley!

Wait a minute. You defeated the Angel Guardian?　You defeated the highest-ranking Guardian?　What the hell are you people doing?

""Cease and desist!"

We jumped into the tower where Aine's memories were hidden.

''Ah, so this is the 'Steel Gargoyle'

It's amazing. It's huge!

It's about 3 meters tall. It's got wings that look like bats.

Huge claws on both hands. It looks like leather armor would do some damage with its defenses disabled.

It seems that the base defense type is not a lie, and as soon as we entered the tower, they began to gather around. In addition, it comes with the game's familiar trap of closing the door behind you when you enter the tower.

There are four Steel Gargoyles in the tower.

They weren't moving that fast, but they were very intimidating.

I'm not lying about the level 10 recommendation. It's just that it's harder than it looks.

"Okay then, Rita. Nice to meet you.

Yes, sir!　I'll show you the skills Master has given me!

Rita activates the skill she just 'rebuilt' as she runs towards the 'Steel Gargoyle'.

She takes a deep breath and sings in a beautiful voice.

'Unrivaled Singing Lv 1' (USR (Ultra Super Rare): Rita/Cecile)

The skill of "song" to "increase" the "reaction time

I'd like to dedicate a song to you. I will sing to you, my dearest, with all my heart, which has never been sincere. To the one I love, my dearest, I give my clumsy but all-out love - my all, if it will help.

Rita's voice seeps into our nerves.

Our bodies heat up in a wave of sacred power and song mingled with each other.

'Faster than anyone else, stronger than anyone else - the speed at which we can feel our thoughts - to everyone!

The moment Rita sang out, our five senses responded.

Our bodies become light.

''GYAAAAAAA!!!''

The "Steel Gargoyle" spreads its wings and flies towards us.

It's okay - I can see it. It's as if it's in slow motion.

I avoided the claws of the steel gargoyle while holding onto my short sword.

All of your allies' reflexes have been enhanced.

If it wasn't, I'd be in a daze right now.

Rita's "Incomparable Singing" increases the reaction speed of all allies.

The flow of "feeling", "judging" and "acting" with the five senses - this sequence of events has almost doubled in speed. In a game, this is an ability like "Blessing" or "Acceleration (Haste)".

However, this skill of Rita's is even faster to the 'decision-making speed'.

It's as if we are all moving in a different time line.

The only thing that matters is the fact that it's not the same as the original.

Oh, I forgot to explain it to Letitia.

'I can see!　Fast!　It feels good, but it's not nice!

art motif

Leticia's longsword smashes the claws of the 'Steel Gargoyle'.

Even though it's called physical attack attenuation, does it pass a little bit?

''My master──don't come close to my master!

Rita gives the Steel Gargoyle a spinning kick. The enemy staggers back with a heel strike enhanced by the Divine Power Grip. The hand blade cuts off both of the gargoyle's horns.

The enemy's movement comes to a halt. Now!

'Cecil!　You can shoot!

''I will feed on your strange flow'' - ''The Arrow of Fallen Power''!

A jet black arrow flew out from Cecil's fingertips.

Rita evacuated from the firing line.

The black arrow hit the "steel gargoyle" and exploded.

I'm sure the damage is probably not through.

But the steel gargoyle flapped its wings and stood up - the movement of standing up became awkward.

Or rather, it's a little slower.

'Arrow of Corrupting Power Lv 1' (USR: Cecil/Rita)

The skill of 'stealing' 'magic' with 'magic'.

Cecil's new magic shoots out a jet black arrow.

And it takes away the magic from the person it hits. It's not that I get it, I just erase it. But it's enough. It's the most powerful magic for the Guardians.

The Steel Gargoyle is powered by magic.

I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about it.

You're going to be able to get your hands on a lot more fuel than you can get your durability down to zero.

Cecil!　Another one!

'The Arrow of Fallen Power!'　The Arrow of Corruption!　"Rarely do you have to go to ────!

Snip, snip, snip!　Petite!

Black arrows landed on the gargoyles one after another.

They are moving slower and slower.

It's as if they're stealing more and more power from the machine's batteries.

'Everybody dash!　I'm going upstairs!

There's no need to reduce the Steel Gargoyle's fuel consumption to zero.

The goal is not to defeat this guy, but to get Aine's memory back.

I wield a shortsword.

It's a new one I bought, but its weight and size are the same.

My arms are not even a threat.

Still, I continue to swing the sword that doesn't hit.

"You gargoyle!　No, don't get involved!　Sleep, rolleyes!

Rita's fist, which was imbued with "divine power," struck the steel gargoyle in its path.

The enemy, which had stopped moving, was hit again by the Arrow of Fallen Power.

Still, the steel gargoyle flicked Rita away with its fist.

''No!　Nagi────!

Two of the steel gargoyles are coming at me at once.

Rita is lying on the floor, avoiding the claws of another one.

Laetitia is engaging the other one. Cecil is behind me.

The two 'steel gargoyles' approach in slow motion.

They're slow.

With this speed, can my arms handle it?

"Cecil!　Stay away from danger!

Yes, sir!　Take care of yourself!

I learned how to use the skills when I played against the Angel Guardian. The Steel Gargoyle should be weaker than that one. You don't need to use the Transcendental Sense.

If you miss, you'll die. But...

Cecil and Rita will take care of you.

Okay, okay. So...

Release!　''Delayed Combat (Delayed Arts) LV1!''

The shortsword, which was wielded at the right time, seemed to have become huge.

Roughly 20 or 30 times larger.

The sword blade bit into the bodies of the "Steel Gargoyles" - cutting them in two.

The gargoyle that had been cut in half collapsed.

At the same time, the shortsword turned into a lump and my body recoiled and rolled backwards....

"Nagi-sama!

You're welcome!

As I rolled around, little Cecil stopped me with his body.

I didn't manage it.

It's a very tiring skill, though.

"Delayed Combat (Delay Arts) Lv 1.

Skill to slow down a weapon with the "Arts".

I'm not going to be able to do anything about it.

You have to be able to cast a spell in advance, and then cast it whenever you want.

This is the swordsmanship version of it.

Whenever you swing your sword again and again, you can pretend that you aren't swinging (・・・・・・・・・・) and store its power.

I've been swinging my sword since the moment I entered the tower.

It's accelerated by the effect of Rita's 'Incomparable Singing', so it's 30 to 50 times.

However, while "Delayed Swordsmanship" is activated, even if you hit the enemy with your sword, you can't deal any damage. Literally zero damage. My arms are just insanely tired.

When I earnestly hoard and "release" my sword, all the attack power I've wielded so far explodes in one go.

I hit the steel gargoyle with it - apparently.

I'm not sure if I understand it, but the steel gargoyle was cut in half and my sword shattered.

I'm not going to be able to get it done. Do it!

'Dagaku-no-ya!'　What the hell?　"'Dagaku no yaah!'!

Pooch, pooch, pooch.

A black arrow that seems to have no power at all strikes the two remaining 'steel gargoyles'.

Snap, snap, snap, snap!

The 'Steel Gargoyle', who can no longer fly at last, kneels down on the floor.

''Continue to charge forward with caution!

I take Cecil's hand and start running.

'This may not be all of it. Be on your guard!　Rita takes care of Letitia's guard!

Wham!

No, wait. No, wait!　I have no idea what's going on here!

I'll explain it to you when I have time after Aine's memory is restored!

What if it's not?

We'll have to wait till the party's over.

I hate what I don't understand!

Leticia shouted as she led the way.

''Even the 'Aristocracy Guild' was hostile because they didn't agree with the way things were done. But the one who is most unconvinced right now is you guys. How come a party with so much power is unknown to you!

''That's because ...... Hinofu's ...... was just established about five days ago.

What's the name of the party?

"The Nine Confessions of a Vampire Slayer" or "Apocalypse,

That's the title of a game I made in the original world.

And it's a bad omen. And I didn't realize until I said it out loud, but I'm very embarrassed by the whole middle child thing.

''You guys can seize the 'Noblemen's Guild'. The strongest party that defeated the mad dog Tanaka-Coga and neutralized the 'Steel Gargoyle'!　If they knew there was such a thing, the counts would be wary of it!

Yeah.

You'll go down in history as the most powerful party in town!

No!

''Are you a child?!''

"I don't mind using it as a deterrent to the Guild of Noblemen as a mystery party, but I don't need legends or anything like that. I just want to live a normal, carefree life!

'Think of all those slave girls!　You may be good at it, but they won't even utilize their superior power, they'll just waste it!

As she runs, Leticia speaks to Cecil and Rita.

"Don't you guys regret this!　Don't you want to change the world by yourselves?

This is the path my family abandoned a long time ago.

'I've stopped going the long way. My family is more important to me than the world!

Unanimous.

It doesn't matter if you're putting yourself first.

I don't know!　I don't understand!

Because there are other people who want to play heroes and heroines.

Like the king.

Or Tanaka-Coga.

'It's okay to have a cheat character who only thinks about himself once in a while.

At the end of the staircase that you run up while talking.

The Steel Gargoyles stop at four. All the rogues should be down outside.

I opened the door to the top floor and found .......

A golden crystal body placed haphazardly in the center of the room.

It's shaped like a sharp crystal.

So that's Aine's memory.

'Alright, retrieve it!　Everyone retreat!

Quest complete.

We put the crystals in our bags and left the room on the top floor.

The only thing left to do is to leave the tower and run through the forest to the lair Letitia had prepared for us.

The way out - is it okay? I thought all the ragpickers were blindfolded and tied up.

We looked out the window of the fourth floor room.

"Nagi. It's him!

Rita said in a deeply disgusted voice.

'......ge.'

In front of the tower, Deputy Bishop Argis was standing there.

He's a leader of the Iturna Order, and he was also involved in the attack on the Guild of the People.

He's looking up at the tower, surrounded by adventurer-like men with torches - probably ragpickers hired by the Guild of Nobility. He has a staff in his hand. Is that the magic item that was extracted from Aine's memory?

You have a bad look on your face.

You have the same look on your face as when you said you were going to make Rita a slave.

This is a good idea. "All right, I'll just go through the center.

'Oh.'　Oh, yes, sir.

We ran down the stairs as we met up.

Vice Bishop Argis was shuddering at his good fortune.

It must be the blessing of the Goddess after all.

The fact that he was able to take out the Clean Wand in the bishop's absence was also a blessing.

And that the Earl gave me the opportunity to use it.

And that the intruder is entering the tower at this time when I'm making regular rounds.

I'd be happy if the ...... intruder was an envious young girl.

Vice Bishop Argis chuckles.

The "Clean Wand" is a treasure of the Iturna Order that can retrieve several years' worth of memories.

It was the Count's request to extract Aine Crunet's memories and hide them in the tower.

The purpose is to show others that she forgets about the "Common People's Guild" and to show them what happens if they disobey.

What to do after that, Deputy Bishop Argis had a plan.

A girl with no relatives.

He was going to protect her.

If it wasn't for that obtrusive, blue-haired noble girl, he could trick her into being a slave.

' ...... I'm not going to return this wand yet.

The remnants that entered the tower were probably that blue-haired girl.

We're going to get even.

I'm going to drag the battered remains of the Steel Gargoyle out of their body and steal their memories.

And then...

Now, gentlemen, if you would please.

The men surrounding Vice Bishop Argis hold a huge shield.

It's a great shield to protect against the attack of the Steel Gargoyle.

With this, they'll be able to advance to the first floor - just barely to the second floor.

If the intruder is above that level, I don't know. They can die on their own.

"If you bring the intruder to me, I'll pay you twice as much. The Countess is a person who knows how to spend money, you know. Now, get to work quickly.

And when Vicar General Argis ordered the men around him...

Their vision went blank.

They couldn't see anything.

It was only after a few seconds that they realized that they were surrounded by a giant ball of light.

Argis reflexively deployed the 'Divine Power Barrier'.

A 360-degree spherical defense wall. It's an excellent thing that can block at least three attacks from the Steel Gargoyle.

It should only be able to be broken by a good attack or the same level of sacred power--!

Ew!

A scream goes up.

The men who were holding the Great Shield next to me are about to fall over.

The shield is meant to prevent attacks from a certain direction.

If you don't know where the attack is coming from, it's just a heavy load──.

Listen to me!　The ruffians of the 'Guild of Noblemen'!

It's that blue-haired girl's voice.

I knew it was her, the intruder.

But I couldn't tell.

There was no sign of injury or exhaustion in her voice.

Don't tell me that you have defeated the 'Steel Gargoyle'!

''The Steel Gargoyle'' has been eradicated by the mysterious and strongest party, the 'Nine (Nine) Princesses of Confession (Apocalypse)'', who have eradicated every last one of the 'Steel Gargoyle'!

"AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! ────?

"The Nine Confessional Princesses Outside"?

I don't get it. I don't know what that means.

And what was that scream?　I've heard that voice before.

Who is this...?

...... You have the same bad taste in food. You are.

Soooo, someone comes in front of me, moving like a wild animal.

I can't see my eyes yet. But the voice that reaches my ears is...

Rita Melpheus...?

The sound of something crashing into the "Sacred Force Barrier".

He hadn't noticed.

He hadn't noticed that the sub-bishop, his divine power, was thinly distributed throughout the entirety of the protective sphere.

The divine power that Rita had focused on a single point in her fist with the Divine Power Seizure had been defeated.

The barrier, with a snap, shatters.

The staff in the vice bishop's hand snaps.

A fist is caught in his groin.

The body is blown backwards - at that time, half of your consciousness is gone.

Whether the voice you heard earlier was really Rita-Melpheus, or whether it was my own desire to be obsessed with her - I don't even know that anymore.

''So!　I told you no name for that party!

It doesn't matter what it means.

The last thing I heard was a voice like that, and I lost consciousness.

I found myself lying at the base of a tree.

The Clean Wand was shattered in his hand.

The priest's clothes, which they made him wash clean every day, were a shadow of what they looked like in dirt and vomit.

The rogues were half knocked down, half still rolling around, holding their eyes.

One of them jumped into the tower in a panic and came back, turning blue. With that alone - Argis understood what had happened.

''...... The memories of Aine-Clunet were taken away?

The end.

Vice Prelate Argis' body has been weakened.

My life is over.

I should've just handed that stupid scepter back to Bishop Algis.

"...... I'm not sorry.

This was an accident - yes, an accident.

It's like being bitten by a passing monster.

"It's not my fault. It's not my fault!

On the edge of the forest, the exclamation of Vice Bishop Argis echoed.